Monsters, get your claws out. Mother Monster is coming to town.
Lady Gaga has confirmed rumours she is coming to Dubai with a post on her website ladygaga.com. And she's got a September 10 date at Meydan.
The tour, launched to support the singer’s third studio album, ArtPop, kicked off earlier this week in Florida in the US. Gaga will perform across North America until August before heading to Japan later that month. Her UAE stop will kick off the tour’s European leg, said organisers AMI Live, ATW Live and Live Nation Global Touring, which made the announcement today at a press conference in Dubai. The tour also includes a stop in Istanbul on September 16.
“The UAE is a becoming a Top 10 destination for global entertainment, with an outstanding calibre of musicians, artists, performers and related events held here and the infrastructure is in place for further entertainment growth,” said Marco Rios, chairman and CEO of AMI Live. “Lady Gaga is an ideal first show for our introduction in the Middle East – a performer with influences from diverse cultures, who is contemporary, dynamic, inclusive and a headline-maker.”
Paul Morrison, Chairman of ATW Live added: “This show will be a ‘must see’ event in Dubai with not only the most exciting performance from this ground-breaking artist, but also a fantastic premium experience for fans and ticket purchasers. We are looking forward to working with our partners AMI Live on bringing some fantastic shows to Meydan and the region.”
It may come as a surprise that the controversial pop star will be performing in the Middle East. Her risqué and over-the-top antics – meat dress, anyone? – have landed her in hot water before, and even earned her a ban from Indonesia for fear of corrupting their youth.
ArtRave: The Artpop Ball is Gaga’s fourth concert tour, and features, like many of her concerts, crazy costumes and elaborate productions. The tour so far has received positive reviews, with many praising the singer’s energy and enthusiasm.
Gaga’s last tour, the Born This Way Ball, had to be abruptly cut short in 2013 following a hip injury the singer sustained while performing. She later underwent surgery. Trade publication Pollstar named it the fifth highest grossing tour in 2012 behind Madonna, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Roger Waters and Coldplay
Tickets are priced at Dh495 (General Admission), Dh750 (Grandstand Seating) and Dh1,295 (Golden Circle). VIP Tables and Suites passes will also be available, starting at Dh2,000. They will be available from noon on May 15 on www.ticketmaster.ae or call 800 86834. A special website dedicated to the concert has been created. Go to www.ladygaga.ae